The Los Angeles Dodgers completed a notable trade with the Detroit Tigers by acquiring two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, signaling their seriousness about strengthening the team as they approach the postseason. Dodgers president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, communicated the progress of the trade talks to manager Dave Roberts ahead of the game against the Red Sox on Saturday.
“I heard that it was pretty much done,” Roberts shared on Sunday afternoon. “But there’s obviously things that have to go on with medical, so it wasn’t actually even finalized. I just heard that it was pretty much close.”
Friedman remained cautious until he received the final confirmation from the Tigers during the game. He stated, “I had no idea and was trying to emotionally hedge. I wasn’t getting too high or too low on it until we actually found out.”
The Dodgers agreed to trade three prospects to the Tigers for Skubal on Saturday. Outfielder Zyhir Hope (No. 25 on MLB Pipeline’s top 100), right-handed pitcher River Ryan (No. 68), and right-hander Brady Smith were exchanged for one of the game’s standout starters. The trade was officially announced on Sunday.
Leading up to the deadline, despite signaling a potentially less active period, Dodgers management took strategic action in the acquisition, which seemed inevitable to rival executives and scouts. Although not crucial, acquiring Skubal bolsters the Dodgers’ pitching options.
“Friday it started picking up a little bit,” Friedman explained. “But [Saturday] it was much more aggressive back and forth and a lot of different conversations.” His team was determined to be proactive to secure the deal.
A surprising aspect of the trade was its timing and the return. The Dodgers managed to execute the trade without affecting their major league squad. Former major leaguer Ryan had health issues that delayed further call-ups.
Friedman acknowledged the talent given up, stating, “Obviously they felt good going through it. We gave up a lot of talent. Those guys are really good, and have a chance to be really good major-league players.” However, with the team’s current dynamics, aggressiveness was deemed fitting.
With Skubal, the Dodgers enhance their rotation that already includes pitchers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani. If all are healthy by October, their rotation could be unmatched.
“I think it’s arguably the best rotation of all time — as if it wasn’t before as well,” said catcher Dalton Rushing. “Hope he’s ready to win a ring.”
Utility player Miguel Rojas added, “It’s a statement from this organization to the rest of the league and the world that they’re not just satisfied with what happened the last couple years.”
The team believes health is paramount. Skubal and Snell recovered from surgeries related to their pitching arms. Skubal has made nine appearances since, and Snell is scheduled for a final rehab start.
Glasnow’s rehab assignment is imminent after facing prolonged back spasms. Ohtani’s knee problem has kept him off the mound recently, despite treatments. Dodgers expect him back soon, with Friedman expressing optimism.
“We’re as confident as we can be that he’s going to be back and he’s going to start throwing soon and building back up,” Friedman stated. “You can never perfectly predict the future but if you said, ‘Hey, place a bet on it,’ I would be confident he would be back pitching.”
Ohtani’s return will depend on building up to a starter’s workload. This process will occur without a rehab assignment like last season. Roberts emphasized a careful ramp-up plan for him.
Skubal is set to debut with the Dodgers on Tuesday against the Cubs in Chicago. Though further deals are uncertain, ongoing conversations might lead to more moves, according to Friedman.
“Never say never,” he mentioned about potential future roster additions. “Fortunately, we don’t have that acute need that we have to do this or our team is in real danger.”
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